Christo Viljoen, President of SAFSA, talks about the federation's plans for the future of the sport in South Africa.
The South African Figure Skating Association (SAFSA) is looking forward to the next decade with optimism and a renewed sense of purpose. For us, Vision 2034 is a commitment to building a sustainable, inclusive, and thriving future for figure skating in the country. By focusing on leadership, athlete development, governance and community unity, we want to elevate the sport to new heights and inspire generations to embrace the joy of figure skating for life.
Of course, leadership forms the backbone of any company’s success and SAFSA is no different. By 2034, we envision a fully staffed Executive Committee (Exco) that comprises experts in governance, finance, marketing, technology, legal, and human resources. In this regard, succession planning will be a priority. We want to ensure that mentorship at all levels - clubs, provinces, councils, and national leadership. This will ensure the next generation is equipped to build on the foundations we put in place today.
This also requires a commitment to governance. By 2025, SAFSA will have up-to-date financial reports and streamlined processes that ensure transparency and professionalism. After all, trust from stakeholders like SASCOC, the Department of Sport, and the International Skating Union (ISU) is earned through accountability. This is where our volunteers, who form the heart of SAFSA, are key to this vision. Their professionalism will inspire confidence across all sectors.
Developing international calibre athletes
The dream of seeing South African skaters representing our nation at the Winter Olympics stands at the heart of Vision 2034. Achieving this requires access to high-quality training opportunities. By providing regular training camps and international collaborations with the ISU, we will provide athletes with the tools to hone their skills and compete at their best against the highest levels globally.
Part of this will require us to upskill our coaches and judges. Continuous learning through workshops, international training, and exposure will empower our coaches to cultivate competitive athletes. Judges and technical specialists will undergo regular training, ensuring fairness and quality officiating across all competitions.
Expanding the sport
For a sport to grow, it is essential to identify opportunities that are both deep and wide. SAFSA will promote emerging disciplines like Solo Ice Dance to broaden participation and offer skaters opportunities to transition into pairs, synchronised skating and beyond. Events, both competitive and recreational, will be tailored to skaters of all ages and skill levels, fostering a culture of lifelong participation.
Unity and inclusivity are paramount. By broadening participation and fostering lifelong engagement, we aim to make figure skating a unifying force that resonates across South African communities.
Building international partnerships
SAFSA also recognises how important collaboration is in achieving these goals. By strengthening ties with the ISU and other international federations, we will unlock training assistance, funding opportunities, and global best practices. This international presence will benefit athletes, coaches, and judges alike, providing the exposure necessary to raise the standard of figure skating in South Africa.
To build a sustainable future, SAFSA will actively pursue sponsorship opportunities and launch marketing campaigns that showcase the beauty and technical brilliance of figure skating. By presenting SAFSA as a valuable partner, we aim to secure funding that will fuel growth across all levels of the sport.
Empowering volunteers and fostering community unity
SAFSA’s volunteers are the lifeblood of our federation. Their dedication drives our clubs, provinces, and events, enabling the success of our athletes. Vision 2034 calls for even greater empowerment of these volunteers through tools, training, and mentorship. Skilled committees will be equipped to manage administration, budgeting, reporting, and event planning with efficiency and excellence.
More importantly, Vision 2034 inspires a shift in mindset: a shared commitment to collaboration, positivity, and proactive problem-solving. By uniting our community under the banner of a common purpose, SAFSA will create an environment that celebrates achievements and supports growth.
The vision for 2034
Looking ahead, SAFSA’s vision is clear:
To see South African skaters competing consistently on the international stage, with Olympic representation as a milestone achievement.
To establish a well-managed, sustainable federation that serves as a model of governance and growth.
To foster a vibrant figure skating community that welcomes and celebrates skaters of all levels and disciplines.
This vision is ambitious, but it is achievable. It calls on every member of the SAFSA community to play their part. Together, we will set the foundations for a future where South African figure skating thrives on and off the ice.
As we embrace 2025, let it be the year of progress - the first of many milestones on our journey toward greatness. Vision 2034 is not just a dream but a shared mission and a promise to ourselves and to the generations that will follow. Together, we will write a new chapter in South African figure skating history.
ABOUT SAFSA
The SAFSA is a non-profit association and is the official and only body governing Figure Skating in the Republic of South Africa in conjunction with its affiliates.
Our association and its affiliates promote and develop all the different disciplines in Figure Skating that include Free Skating, Ice Dance, Pairs Skating and Synchronized Skating in the country and is affiliated nationally to the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC) and internationally to the International Skating Union (ISU).
SAFSA is responsible for the management and representation of our sport and its athletes in our country and is bound by the requirements and governance prescripts of our local and international affiliations.
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